How usable equity is calculated
Usable equity is generally your property's value at 80% LVR, minus what you still owe — lenders rarely let you access the full 100%.
A recent valuation matters here: rising property prices can unlock more usable equity than you might expect.
Turning equity into a deposit
Rather than saving a new cash deposit, many investors draw on existing equity via a separate loan split, keeping it clearly identifiable for tax purposes.
This can shorten the time between purchases, letting a portfolio grow faster than waiting to save each deposit from scratch.
Keeping serviceability in check
Lenders assess your ability to service all debts together, so growing a portfolio this way still depends on income and existing commitments.
A broker can map out how many properties your current serviceability supports before you commit to the next purchase.